We Californians have a love affair going with our automobiles. We're used to the independence that cars give us, the freedom to go wherever whenever we want.

But what happens if that freedom is taken away?

Grace and George Campbell of American Canyon know the answer. Between Grace's diabetes and George's heart trouble, the Campbells have been forced to give up driving.

"I lost my license first," Grace Campbell said. "People ask what were your first thoughts when you lost your license? It took a while for it to sink in," Grace said. "You're fixing dinner and you don't have any bread. You can't just jump in your car and go to the store. I want to be as independent as I can be, and it isn't easy at all, when you can't drive."

Now there is help from the city of American Canyon for the Campbells and others. If you are 65 or older, disabled, and reside within the city limits of American Canyon, you can get a taxi ride for half-price.

Started last October, the city's taxi scrip program permits seniors to purchase booklets of scrip worth $20 for $10 each. A qualified individual may purchase two booklets a month.

Randy Davis, director of Community Services for the city, said the scrip program fills a need identified several years ago.

"It's not a change in as much as an addition," Davis said. "For several years, there have been requests for a taxi scrip program. Former council member Don Colcleaser has pushed for a taxi scrip program. It did exist in Napa and Vallejo. Our residents asked the question, 'Why can't we get that?'"

Although there was a clamor for the service, there was no initial rush to make use of it.

"The program got off to a slow start," said Davis, "but it has gradually picked up."

The department has $2,000 worth of scrip per month set aside for sale on a first come, first served basis. So far, there has been no danger of selling out.

The Campbells, who have been married for 44 years, were glad to see the scrip program arrive.

"I got it right away," said Grace Campbell. "I like it.

"I use it because our American Canyon Transit system only goes as far as Kaiser and Mervyns," she said. "So (scrip is useful) if you want to go to the plaza area, to B of A ,which is where we bank. I have gone to the bank (using scrip) and the Dollar Tree store. Then we have lunch at Vallejo Plaza."

Campbell said it was difficult for her to bank before the scrip program.

The two Vallejo cab companies, Yellow Cab and Vallejo City Cab, accept the scrip. There are no taxi companies based in American Canyon.

"We've been taking quite a bit of scrip from American Canyon seniors," said Vallejo City Cab manager, Sandra Taylor.

The scrip can be used just like cash for a cab ride anywhere in American Canyon and Vallejo. If the fare is more than an even dollar amount, a rider can pay cash for the difference. If the fare is smaller than the scrip denomination, the rider gets change back.

Tips to drivers should be paid in cash.

Campbell pointed out the convenience of the taxi versus the bus, which runs on a schedule. In situations were she has perishable groceries or needs to get to the doctor quickly, a taxi cab is essential. She said she often uses the two services in combination to save money.

Accompanying riders may have their trips covered by scrip as long as they have the same point of origin and destination as the scrip user. A different origin or destination means the cab company will treat the rider as a separate fare.

Users should be aware that scrip has an expiration date and is not transferable -- that is, it is usable only by the qualified individual. And there are no refunds.

An individuals applying for the program has to fill out a qualification form and provide a photocopy of valid ID if 65 or older, and a photocopy of an Americans with Disabilities Act card or a form completed by a licensed medical professional proving the applicant's disability.

Someone other that the qualified person may be authorized to buy the scrip, however.

For more information about the program call the Community Services Department at 648-7275.